IN 2009 plans were brought forward that were aimed at attracting "Barry Manilow, Beyoncé, and Bon Jovi" to perform in Taunton.

A group pressed for Taunton’s former Gaumont Theatre – now Mecca Bingo – to be turned into a multipurpose entertainment venue.

They increased pressure on the Deane council for Project Gaumont to go ahead.

The plans were led by retired salesman and theatre enthusiast Jim Laflin, he said in 2009 that he received a letter of support from the planning authority.

The group wanted the council to adopt a formal policy on the historic site, which once hosted concerts by groups like The Beatles, to ensure it would continue as an entertainment venue, should building owner Rank ever chose to re-locate.

Project Gaumont said it wanted to work with Rank, which operates Mecca Bingo there.

The group proposed a multi-million-pound investment by Rank to turn the building into an arts and entertainment centre with a 1,500-seat theatre, bingo hall, youth club, roof restaurant, art gallery, bars, cafes, a small casino, and a covered arena on Castle Green capable of hosting concerts with an audience of 5,000 people.

Members said that making the building multi-purpose would increase its profitability.

Mr Laflin said: “We believe Rank would be the perfect company to implement Project Gaumont’s proposals.

“The new centre would complement The Brewhouse theatre and would show productions such as Lloyd Webber musicals, opera, ballet and star performers.

“The outside arena would attract international names like Barry Manilow, Beyoncé, Bon Jovi and Neil Diamond.”

The group received a letter from then Cllr Fran Smith, Taunton Deane Council portfolio holder for economic development, saying the authority supported the proposal in principle, with some reservations about its viability.

Council leader Ross Henley told the County Gazette in 2009: “It’s a listed building with a planning condition as an entertainment venue. That gives the building the necessary protection it requires.”

A Rank spokesman said: “We would be happy for Mr Laflin to submit his proposals to us and we would give them our consideration.”

In 2020, the building was purchased by Somerset West and Taunton Council for £2.1 million.

Although the Grade II listed building formed part of the council’s asset portfolio, it remains operational as a bingo hall.